You Found Me

Four

4

  One day, Elle! Just keep your temper for one day and you'll have at least a break after this. I utter to myself again and again, like it's some sort of a mantra while facing the mirror.

     I need to motivate myself in times like this.

     Of course, I wouldn't have a problem, if this happened before everything else. I would have done this in my own accord, without second thoughts. But right now, I'm starting to force everything.

     The moment I discovered about what Ivan and Cleo was doing behind my back; I already lost my appetite to attend the year end party.

     However, like what I've said, as the current supreme student council president, I shall stick with my responsibility and set my personal issues aside.

     And with that being said, I'm forced to dress up.

     I am wearing a royal blue cocktail dress that has large soft pleats and flows just above my knees. It has a sweet-heart neckline, secured by straps and accessorized by a sparkling, silver belt that perfectly hugs the curves of my body.

     I let my natural, wavy hair fall down on my shoulders. I didn't style or braid it. I just wore light touch of makeup that almost seems natural to at least enliven my pale skin.

     I have this itch that I need to look good, to prove to them that the break up didn't affect a single thing out of me but I also think that exerting effort in this kind of endeavor would be a total waste of time. So I decide to keep things modest.

     The only thing I'm looking forward is for this day to end and for the upcoming holiday break to arrive sooner.

     "You need a help with that?"

     Before I could decline her offer, she's already behind me, helping me zip up my dress.

     And now I have a fairy godmother. Great!

    "It's so soft."

    Now, my eyes move down to Lily, whos currently running her small hands on the pleats of my dress.

    "It's cotton." I am almost certain that my dismissive tone is noticeable. I try not to be rude by saying something, but it sounds obviously too rush like I already want to finish the conversation.

    I really need to steady my nerves right now.

    Lucy fixes my hair as we both stare at the mirror.

     I summon all my willpower not to wince over what's happening. It's not like it's the first time. But this is definitely one of the few moments I'm caught unguarded.

    "You look really pretty," she smiles, genuinely. I wonder if this is also what Mom would say if shes here. I immediately bury the thought before it summons a reaction out of me.

    "For sure Ate does," Lily adds.

     I feel my heart soften at their comments. There's a pinch of ache somewhere pulsating in me, almost the same pattern as my heartbeats.